Predictors of positive drug screens after deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in the military drug testing program

Abstract

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e118–e201 e169 Methods: Urinalysis tests for cocaine, heroin, THC, amphetamines, and/or designer amphetamines, routinely tested by the DoD, were examined to estimate the percent of the sample with any positive drug test 6-month to 3-year postdeployment (follow up). Demographic and deployment characteristics were examined as potential predictors of a positive drug screen. Multivariate models controlled for study design variables (number of tests, last collection date relative to deployment end). Results: Of AD enlisted members, >80% with urinalysis data were analyzed. Most had at least one random test (median 4) during followup. An estimated 2.74%, 95% confidence interval CI: 2.68–2.89% tested positive. Controlling for design, demographics, and deployment characteristics, with increased odds of a positive drug screen were combat specialist occupation (relative to 4 other groups), in early cohort (deployment began before FY2011), short deployment (relative to 1 year, or >1 year), first deployment (prior deployment ended >365 days before index), and assigned to aWarrior TransitionUnit (WTU, rather than regularmilitary duties) upon return. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that combat specialist occupations andfirst deployersweremost at risk. Twomeasures which may be proxies for returning wounded also had increased odds of a positive drug test. Knowledge of these characteristics may help target new strategies or interventions such as additional screening or brief counseling. Financial Support: NIDA R01DA030150. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.375 Gender differences in risk factors for nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among youth 10 to 18 years in the US Sonam O. Lasopa, Linda Cottler, Krishna Vaddiparti, Catherine W. Striley University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States Aims: Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMU) is a significant public health concern with increased risk among adolescent girls. Given the complex and multiple pathways that contribute to drug use, this study examines gender differences and gender specific associations of NMU across domains. Methods: Data comes from the National Monitoring of Prescription Stimulants Study (NMAPSS) which surveyed 11,048 10 to 18 year olds via an entertainment venue intercept recruitment method. NMU was defined as using prescription stimulants more than prescribed, stimulants that belonged to someone else, by non-oral routes, or use to get high. Photos of pills were used to ensure proper recall. Variables examined included those in the socio-demographic, psychological and peer domains. Results: Among the 3.6% of youth reporting past 30 day NMU, 46% were girls. Among youth with NMU, depression (54% vs. 46%), anxiety (57% vs. 43%) and weight concerns (72% vs. 28%) were significantly higher in girls than boys, though boys had higher rates of ADHD (62% vs. 38%) and conduct problems (66% vs. 34%). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that girls with ADHD (OR 1.65), weight concerns (OR 3.38), and thosewho smoked (OR 2.48), or reported illegal drug use (OR 4.87) or had a friend who used stimulants (OR 6.53) weremore likely than thosewithout to report NMU. Among boys, increased odds of NMU were found for alcohol use (OR 2.24), illegal drugs (OR 3.25) or having a friend who used stimulants (OR 6.61). Conclusions: General and specific risk factors based on gender are associated with NMU across demographic, psychological and peer domains. The implications of gender differences in vulnerability to NMU pertain to the design of targeted prevention and interventions programs. Financial Support: Fogarty International Centre Indo-US Training Program in Non-Communicable Diseases (Grant No D 43TW009120; Sonam O Lasopa, Fellow; PI: Cottler). NMAPSS was conducted under contract from Pinney Associates, Inc. Pinney is provided funding by Shire Pharmaceutical and Noven Pharmaceuticals. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.376 Impaired executive function, drug and sex risk, and HIV infection in African-American men W.W. Latimer1, Maria R. Khan2, Joy D. Scheidell 2, Eugene M. Dunne1 1 Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States 2 Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,